Thoughts on Our Boy

This is an old picture of Bubba, but with all the changes I've been going through with computers I haven't downloaded much from the camera lately. 

I've wanted to write down some of the developments we've been seeing in him lately, if only for my records.  I can't say how many times in the last few weeks Ethan or I have said something to the effect of what a joy he is to raise.  This is the same kiddo that has brought me to tears of frustration many times in the past.  I don't know what's going on, only that my heart has never felt more full.  We've noticed that he's showing first-time obedience most of the time.  (Shocking!)  Although he's not a perfect gentleman to his baby sister, for the most part I can trust him to play nicely with her.  He'll ask her to go outside with him or push him in his tonka truck.  He also LOVES to have her chase him and tickle him.  It's adorable.

After finding out he would be having a very inconsistent schedule in public school this year, we decided to keep him home.  He's following a preschool curriculum that I write to his ability level.  A lot of the ideas for preschoolers aren't even something he can do because of the language, but we've found some creative ways to work around it.  One game he likes involves hiding his favorite blanket.  When it's time for him to find it, he has to listen to directional clues like "under, to the left, inside" and so on.  He laughs like a hyena when he finds it.  :)  He's done "bowling" with paper bags, where he has to knock down the paper bag with the right letter taped to it.  And of course, there's so much we can do that appeals to his need for sensory stimulation.  Making letters in a pan of rice or feeling sandpaper numbers is great fun.  Of course, I'd have much more trouble doing this if it wasn't for his aide being here every day to help him.  Makes life far easier!

Here's a funny thing he's been up to lately.  He'll look me (or Daddy) in the eyes really sweetly and say, "Mommy want an owie?"  His little fingers are always at the ready to pinch if we say yes! 

I know our lives with autism in them have been so hard, but the joys are so rich.  Every little triumph is cause for great celebration.  I'm thankful to God that He blessed us in this way!